Can Digital Newspapers Save the Pressman's Hearing?

摘要

We are well into a transition period between print and digital newspapers. One of the major newspapers consolidated its printing operations in the last 2 years. The newspaper took existing presses and moved them to a new facility, which prints three different major metropolitan newspapers. The facility is nearly state-of-the-art for printing. However, state-of-the-art is still nearly 20 years old. The acoustic consultant was given unfettered access to the print facility. Sound measurements were taken in and around the print machines, which can produce up to 100,000 copies per hour. Noise levels as high as 103 dBA were measured in certain locations. The typical press has limited noise mitigation which allow access to the printers. However, the presses need constant attention, the work of the "pressmen" a vanishing skilled tradesman. Can engineering controls be used to limit the pressmen's sound exposure? As important, is there enough time to get the return on investment?